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We hope all of your enjoy every minute of #HBSummerShare, we definitely did. Hopefully it has inspired you to challenge yourself and others to not only ride more but enjoy life as well. We want to thank you for sharing your summers with us! You have #RAISEDTHEBAR!

10 Weeks of Instagram #HBSummerShare

Jess will be emailing all riders that rode 45 or more rides during the 10 weeks so you can pick up your #HBSummerShare towel. And now for the big reveal of the riders with the more rides!

Not only do these three riders win a #HBSummerShare towel but the Grand Prize Winner, Caitlyn Kerrigan, has won a complimentary unlimited month of free riding. The two runner up winners, Jaclyn Johnson and Katelyn Cunniff, have both won an entire week of unlimited riding. Congrats ladies!

#HBSummerShare 2015 Towels!

Remember to ride every day like its Summer Share! Stay active, keep challenging yourself and take yourselves to new heights. You created and successfully committed to a summer with sharing.

10 Weeks of Twitter #HBSummerShare

Tweet us your favorite moments of this summers #HBSummerShare @the_handle_bar!

As an active member of our #HBFam, Heather is a true inspiration to everyone she meets. Not only does she embody the HB spirit, but she is killing #HBSummerShare this year…see some of her #HBSummerShare posts here. Heather has even started to document her own weight loss journey on inspiring Instagram account @Journey_to_fierceandfit. We totally recommend you follow her journey, Heather is doing amazing! As Cara described Heather she said “She rode her first double last month, and has just been kicking ass, always high energy in class and overall positive vibes in the studio.” That is some high praise from Cara! We are just so happy to award you Rider of the Month, Congrats Heather!
1.Everyone has their own unique fitness journey. Rumor has it you’ve even started your own fitness Instagram account? What has your journey been like with spinning?

I started spinning at The Handle Bar Fenway location in August 2014. I loved the energy of the music and motivation from the instructors to push beyond my limits. In January 2015, I began my fitness journey and The Handle Bar team has been positive and supportive every step of the way. I started and have maintained to take at least five to six classes per week. My stamina, skills and confidence in my riding began to skyrocket and I couldn’t get enough of the high I felt in class! During this time, I started to record my fitness journey and progress on my Instagram account, @Journey_to_fierceandfit. I have connected with people from all over the country on fitness, wellness and weight loss. This community keeps me motivated and inspired to reach my fitness and nutrition goals.2. Tell us an unknown fact about yourself.

I sang at Carnegie Hall, performing with my concert choir!3.What did you do for fitness prior to joining the studio? Besides cycling, what other activities do you do to keep fit?

Prior to cycling, I was a competitive hip hop dancer. I discovered I would exercise if the workout was music driven which is why I became a committed Zumba girl. I have recently tried boxing classes and would like to continue with that a few times a month to mix my workouts up. Training at The Handle Bar has made for an easy transition to be a road cyclist. In the summer, I paddle board, kayak, and swim to get my tan and fitness on!4. What other communities are you a part of in Boston? Social groups, volunteering, athletics, hobbies?

I have been able to raise awareness and contribute to various charitable organizations through running 5K road races. These events keep me on track with my fitness goals while helping others.5. What goals has The Handle Bar helped you achieve?

Fitness/Weight Loss Goals: Since February, I have lost 30 pounds! I have improved my stamina, my mental attitude towards fitness, and to challenge myself to spin harder in every class.

Other Achievements: The HB has increased my self confidence, helped stay committed to a healthy lifestyle, and connect to a social group that makes fitness and self improvement a priority.6. What’s your favorite way to end a long week?

First, a 6:00 PM ride at The Handle Bar Fenway to spin away the work week. Then dinner and drinks with friends at a restaurant that none of us have been to before. The goal of the group for the summer is to never to meet up at the same place twice!7. What words do you live by?

“Believe you can and you are halfway there” – Teddy Roosevelt

Thank you Heather for letting us find out more about you and we will be sure to follow your journey on Instagram! Keep up the great work and we are inspired by you everyday.

Do you have someone you would like to nominate for Rider of the Month? Reach out to us, email, twitter (@the_handle_bar), Facebook message us and tell us why this person deserves the praise 🙂

Ride Details:

FENWAY Odesza Ride: 7/15/2015 at 5:00PM with SARAH C

SOUTHIE Odesza Ride: 7/17/2015 at 5:45PM with SARAH C

Odesza (@odesza) was just recently in town at the House of Blues (HoB), but in case you missed them, they will be back at the HoB on November 14th! If you’d like to hear them sooner grab a saddle this week with Sarah C! Just to get you up to speed on Odesza’s music, some of their more popular songs are: “Say My Name (feat Zyra)”, “Sun Models (feat. Madelyn Grant)” and “All We Need (feat. Shy Girls).” See the Spotify playlist below to for just a small taste of their amazing music and to get you pumped for the rides.

Fun Fact:Odesza was formed in 2012 (only 3 years ago) at Western Washington University in Seattle, WA

Flume (@flumemusic) just recently had a sold out show at the House of Blues in Boston on June 23, 2015. This young Australian artist (23 years old!) has made many festival stops in the past couple years, festival appearances include: Lollapalooza, Coachella, SXSW, Boston Calling and most recently The Governor’s Ball in NY. Our super Master Instructor Lena even saw Flume at this year’s Governor’s Ball! She says “FLUME was amazing live! My favorite artists at Gov Ball hands down!” We know that Lena will absolutely bring it with this Flume ride!

Introducing The Handle Bar’s Summer Festival on Tour Series! We will highlight a Themed Ride/Bar Fight a week ahead of time to provide you with details on where, when and details about the artist(s). All summer long we’re paying homage to our favorite artists on this year’s festival ‘circuit’. These are the names and groups you might see on the 2015 lineups at shows like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Austin City Limits, and even Boston Calling!

Cara is starting out the series with a Sam Smith ride… originals, remixes and mashups featuring the artist will get you moving. Join Cara for the first stop on the HB Summer Festival Circuit: Thursday 7/2 at 5pm in FENWAY – SAM SMITH RIDE.

Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) hasn’t played Boston in a while, but has been active in the festival circuit the past year. He received headlined at Bonnaroo this year and will be playing the OUTSIDE LANDS music festival in San Francisco Short in August. Candice’s ride could be the Kendrick Lamar festival experience you have been looking for! We’d like to welcome you to the first HB Summer Festival on Tour Ride starring Kendrick Lamar!

Just to get you up to speed, some of their more popular songs are: “King Kunta”, “Alright” and “m.A.A.d city.” Please refer to the embedded Spotify playlist below to for just a small taste of their amazing music and to get you pumped for this ride.

Just to recap: Three Handle Bar regulars (Jeff, Sean and Shane) decided to take their fitness goals to the next level and begin a 6-week Transformation Challenge with the Handle Bar. Their main focus was on both weight loss and replacing fat with muscle. Its been 6 weeks, let’s see how they did! #HBtransform

Sean quite impressed with his weight loss journey.

Jeff’s Six Week #HBTransformation. First picture is week 1 and the third is week 6!

JEFF:

1) How do you feel?

I feel fantastic! Not going to lie, my legs were really sore for the last week but I think this is the best shape I’ve been in the past few years and overall I feel great.

My favorite thing about the past 6 weeks was seeing myself progress. I could feel myself getting better as a rider, and seeing/feeling the results was great motivation. My least favorite part was probably getting myself up for the rooster riders but once I got to the studio I was happy I did it!

3) What changes have you made that you plan to stick with?

I plan to stick in the routine of making it to as many of the morning rides a week that I can. I found its a nice way to wake up and kick start the day.

4) How has your riding changed? Do you plan to continue riding as much as you did throughout the challenge?

I think I’ve become a stronger rider for sure. I’ve found myself being able to ride and sprint through parts of songs that I definitely could not at the beginning of the challenge. I hope to make it in at least 3-4 times a week for sure!

5) Any tips to someone looking to reach a goal like yours?

I would say its important to find yourself a routine, and stick to it. Once I got through the first few weeks, it was much easier not only to consistently be in the studio or at the gym, but also on the diet front as well.

Sean’s Six Week #HBTransformation. First picture is week 1 and the third is week 6!

Favorite think had to be weigh-in day. Seeing the pounds fall off was really a treat! Worst part I would say to be weigh-in day. I would undoubtedly overindulge over the weekend, and would frantically be fasting and working out, sometimes 5 times between Sunday night and Tuesday morning.

3) What changes have you made that you plan to stick with?

Portion control. The first couple weeks eating small would legit make me angry. I’d see what I was getting for meals and be like ‘F@%king crap, this sucks.’ Sure enough though, as the weeks rolled on, I began to be more and more content eating small and eating clean.

4) How has your riding changed? Do you plan to continue riding as much as you did throughout the challenge?

My riding has gotten much better. Long stints out of the saddle had been really difficult for me in the past, now I feel a level of strength with which I can charge through those hard parts. With the HB Summer Share I can imagine i’ll try to get in there at least 4 days a week, maybe more!

5) Any tips to someone looking to reach a goal like yours?

COMMIT! Just do it! It will suck at first, you’ll be tired, you’ll be hungry, but I’d urge you to be strong and wait it out. Nothing felt better than watching the weight fall off week after week.

Shane’s Six Week #HBTransformation. First picture is week 1 and the third is week 6!

1) How do you feel?

I feel great! I feel like I can move mountains now! I have more energy overall and a definite recognizable pep in my step!

There are so many positives and not a whole heck of a lot of negatives. Waking up in the early morning hours was actually a godsend. I’ve been starting my day HOURS earlier than I used to and because of that I’ve become a more productive person overall. That has to be my favorite thing. The obvious benefits of exercising are perks too: reinforcing positive vibes both mentally and physically, being more aerodynamic when I’m cutting and slashing towards the basketball hoop for an easy 2, and getting to connect and bond with fellow HB riders are strong candidates for my favorite thing throughout this challenge

3) What changes have you made that you plan to stick with?

Starting the day off right. I used to either consume half my daily caloric intake in breakfast alone or skip the meal altogether, both of which have disastrous consequences.

I’m more conscious about what I decide to put in my mouth. I’m no longer a vacuum cleaner, maybe more like a hand held Dirt Devil.

4) How has your riding changed? Do you plan to continue riding as much as you did throughout the challenge?

Prior to the challenge I rode rather sparingly. I’m hooked now so you’ll be sure to see me locked into the pedals more often. My riding has changed because I’m definitely more in sync with the music and it makes for a more pleasurable ride. Nothing is worse then being out in 3 only to look around and see everyone else is in the saddle doing tricep presses. Did I just black out?

5) Any tips to someone looking to reach a goal like yours?

You can do it! And even after 6 weeks of consistently riding I don’t feel burnt out in the slightest, so get after it! Also, take a bunch of different classes. Spinning is not universal. Instructors bring their own unique flare to the platform and it’s been fun switching up which instructor I wanted to ride with. I suggest to give everyone a shot and it’ll definitely keep you coming back for more.

What a fantastic job guys! All three of you have shown such dedication and hard work, a great example for us all. We hope you continue your journey and to see you jamming out in the HB saddle soon!

We were able to reach out to four of our awesome HBriders that both won #HBSummerShare last summer Alisun Kovach, Dayna Isley, Becky Anzalone and Nicole Castillo.Thanks again ladies for sharing your experiences with us, we love our #HBFam! We had them reflect on their experience last summer with HBSummerShare:

1)What inspired you to sign up for #HBSummerShare last summer?

Becky Anzalone: I signed up #HBSummerShare last summer as a way to hold me accountable for my workout routine. I find it hard in the summer months to keep up with a consistent routine with the lure of outdoor patio drinking. I already found myself spinning a few nights a week so it made sense (as well as the cost-savings of being able to have an unlimited pass to spin classes).

Nicole Castillo:I was training for a half-marathon, and I wanted to step up my game. Spinning made a huge difference, because I am able to achieve a much harder cardio doing it than running. Also, the competition was just so fun! And pretty much I’ll do anything for free swag. 🙂

Alisun Kovach: I never participated in any kind of challenge before, I thought the #HBSummerShare sounded really fun, and seemed like a great way to prioritize working out during the summer. Plus the potential to win a free month of unlimited riding and a free shirt had me sold!

Dayna Isley: I ran my first half marathon in May last year. Running, as it turns out, is not my favorite. I needed a change, and #HBSummerShare seemed like a good challenge.

2)Describe your experience. What was the best part about #HBSummerShare last year?

Becky Anzalone:I am so glad I participated last year! One of my good friends also did it with me, so we could both motivate each other and use it as an excuse to see each other more often. I also loved having the board up on display – talk about accountability! It was also a great way to see how you were stacking up versus other riders. The competitive element was really motivating! I also really enjoyed the social media aspect and tagging my instagram pics and tweets with the #HBsummershare. It’s a great way to stay connected with other HB riders/instructors.

Nicole Castillo: It was incredible! A friend (Valerie Abeille) and I did it — she was at Fenway and I was at Southie and we could watch each others’ progress on the leaderboard. It was hard at times to stick with it because I would “fall behind” when I went on vacation. But, knowing I had a goal to reach, got me to hit spin at times when I normally would just skip it… like before I got on the airplane for a summer vacation, or early in the morning after a late night out.

Alisun Kovach: Participating in the #HBSummerShare was awesome. Since I was at the studio so much, I got to meet a lot of new people and was able to get to know the girls who work there too (love them all!). I also loved that you got points not only for going to classes, but also for posting on instagram (truth be told, I didn’t have an insta account until the challenge started, and now I can’t get enough of it). It was fun walking around and finding random things that would remind you of the HB, and therefore remind you to get your butt to class, and like I said, prioritize working out, even when all you really wanted to do was lay at the beach all day.

Dayna Isley: I had been spinning some at the Handle Bar in Southie since it opened, but #HBSummerShare really kicked things up. I learned that I could spin a lot–even in the morning!–and really love it. By the end of summer, I could even make it through both sets of arms in Elise’s hour of power Saturday classes. I felt stronger and had fun in the process.

3) Are you signed up for #HBSummerShare this summer? If so, what are you looking forward to most?

Becky Anzalone: I signed up for my second #HBsummershare for this summer and I can’t wait until it starts. I am excited to have an unlimited pass to ride all summer long and stay motivated by all the amazing riders at the Handle Bar (I have a couple friends who I plan on riding with this summer as well!). I’ve tried other spin studios over the years across the city, but the sense of community at Handle Bar, is part of what keeps me coming back. #HBSummerShare is a prime example of why I love spinning at the Handle Bar.

Nicole Castillo: I’m not… because I have the VIP membership… or I totally would! I am still going to hashtag and post. The Handlebar ladies of twitter are already in full force. I’m excited to join them. I’m at @niccastillo1017 I’m all about the social media engagement. Last year, I did a top 10 things I learned from #HBSummerShare. Let’s see what I come up with this year. 🙂

Alisun Kovach: I haven’t decided if I’m singing up yet, but I would really like to win a beach towel, so I probably will!

Dayna Isley: I signed up for #HBSummerShare again because it was so motivating and fun last year. Because I like spin, I know I’ll stick with it; and if I ever feel like slacking, the challenge will keep me motivated. It’s also a great deal when you break it down. Bring on June 1!

An Instagram posted by Becky last summer for #HBSummerShare. A great example of the hashtag social media challenge in action.

If you still aren’t convinced, we’ve put together a list of the top reasons to participate in #HBSummerShare.

Stay in Shape and Motivated all Summer long with a Steal of a Deal Each studio will track those participating in the riding competition. It’s officially bikini season, we have to keep that beach body we worked so hard to get! Can’t give up now, keep that beach body all summer long with #HBSummerShare. Ten weeks of unlimited riding for just $400 lets you stay in shape and save for those amazing summer adventures.

#HBFam + #HBCommunity Support (Forever and Always <3) Join the #HBFam this summer not only in the saddle, but whereever your summer adventures take you! Simply, by tagging #HBSummerShare in a Facebook post, Instagram or tweet, your #HBFam will be right there with you. We, also, encourage you to make some new #HBSummerShare 2015 friends and meet up both on AND off the saddle. This is strongly encouraged in any and all challenges this summer..after all…“You CAN Spin With Us” 🙂

Adjusted Summer Schedule- Just for YOU We know you’re busy, its summer, its warm…you want to be on the beach. We have tailored our weekend schedules to accommodate just that. Please take a look at your home studio’s schedules because weekend times have been added and changed for the summer effective this weekend. All the more reason to squeeze in a ride or two with your unlimited #HBSummerShare package.

Prizes (Who doesn’t like prizes?) We like prizes! If you participate in the riding competition and ride 45 times in 10 weeks…that’s just 4-5 times per week…you win a beautiful #HBSummerShare 2015 beach towel. Think of all those at the beach or pool envious of that gorgeous towel you EARNED. The top four rides will win FURTHER unlimited riding packages. If you participate in the hashtag/social media competition, you have a chance to win a prize EVERY week of the competition. Each week, our favorite hashtagged post will be announced and the winner will receive a gift from 1 of our favorite local spots. The sponsor and prize will be announced at the start of each week, and to get you started – here’s what we have for our first 4 weeks of the competition:

Competition Challenge your friends, family, neighbors, mailman, new and old HB friends and more importantly YOURSELF to ride more, ride stronger, ride proud. Share the link to this blog with anyone you want to see sitting on that saddle next to you. This is your summer, your time to shine, to kick ass, so take charge! The summer of you is waiting…so grab a #HBSummershare package and watch yourself transform in just 10 weeks. The challenge starts June 1st, so act fast.

Once the #HBSummerShare kicks off on June 1st, we’ll be following your progress riding AND sharing your Instagrams/tweets to keep you motivated and on track all summer long. Be sure to tag #HBSummerShare in your posts!

Tweet at us when and why you chose to sign up for #HBSummerShare to @The_Handle_Bar for twitter AND instagram! Doing the #HBSummerShare for the second year in a row? We want to hear from you too, share your experiences just like Alisun, Dayna, Becky and Nicole. We may just share some on and before the #HBSummerShare kickoff June 1st.

Spring is in full swing here in Boston. We are finally hitting 70 degrees, the sun is out and we are all trying to do more things outside! Spinning indoors all Fall and Winter has got us itching to cycle outdoors! It is definitely a sign of spring when those Hubway bike stations start popping up around the city (a sight for sore eyes).

I asked one of our Handle Bar instructors, Ashley Wagner to chat with us about her road cycling experience, the difference between indoor spin and road cycling. Ashley picked up road cycling right after college and made the bold decision to ride CROSS COUNTRY. Cross Country on a bike saddle, this girl must love to cycle (both indoors and out!!).

What is Road Cycling? Tell us about your experience on the road and across the country? 🙂

Road cycling is one of my favorite things to do (beside riding inside at The Handle Bar of course 😉 ). When I ride outside I like to tour. Touring means I am not racing but using the bike to ‘tour’ an area. It is one of the best ways to explore. I love it because you get a better prospective then you would in a car, but you can cover more ground then you can on foot. Also who doesn’t love being outside on a beautiful day and getting a little exercise while you are at it!

How did you get into cycling?

I actually starting spinning inside and really liked the workout I was getting on a stationary bike so the natural next step was to take it outside. I told my sister about wanting to try road cycling. Naturally, my sister who is awesome… but a little insane, immediately found this summer cycling program called Bike and Build and convinced me to sign up. In the spirt of go big or go home, having no outside cycling experience, I signed up for a 3 month long bike tour across the country (yes 0-4000miles).

I had 6 months to train, which was a god send. The hardest part surprisingly wasn’t the fitness but was feeling confident on a bike, on the road, with cars. I like many of you, hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 10 so my skills were pretty rusty. I was able to figure it out with only a few minor falls and come June was had quit my job and was ready to ride my bike every day.

Tell us about that how was the trip?

Turns being a little crazy paid off, it was the time of my life. If you have the time I would 100% recommend doing it. Obviously there were some growing pains at the beginning but I was so happy to be riding my bike, exploring, and being outside every day it didn’t really matter that my butt hurt. We Went from Portsmouth, NH to Vancouver BC. I was fortunate enough to ride alongside the Great Lakes, and over the Rocky’s thought Glacier National Park and put some serious miles on my bike. I learned a lot about my body and what it can do. I also learned a lot about cycling, which is something try to bring into my classes at The Handle Bar.

Is there a difference between a Spin Class and Road Cycling? What is harder?

Honestly, I think spinning inside is harder. This is because you are in control. I am always so impressed when I see riders turn it up one extra notch or really give themselves a challenge. When you are outside you have a hill and you have no choice, you have to get over it. Inside, it takes much more mental strength to turn up that hill and intentionally make your ride harder.

For someone that has never road cycle before: How would you recommend transitioning from indoor cycling to the road?

There are two things that are hard for people when they go from sinning to the cycling; clipping in and cars. Luckily for Handle Bar riders you already have practice clipping in, which will really go a long way. Before setting out on the street with cars and obstacles I would try clipping and unclipping a few times to be sure you know your peddles and your shoes. The other challenge is cars. They are big, fast and could squash you like a bug. This can be especially tricky in cities like Boston with few bike lanes and windy roads. When first starting out I would recommend a bike path, one of my favorites is the southwest corridor that goes through Jamaica Plan and Roxbury it is nice, and wide and off the street and a great place to get started.

What are some tips you have?

Wearing a helmet is cool. I know it is a hard struggle to especially right after I have showered but my brain is too important to be vain.

Get a rain guard, you never know when it is going to rain and having this on my bike with make you so much more comfortable.

Start with a buddy! It was great to have my sister with me. She laughed at me when I fell over at a stop light because I couldn’t unclip in time. I also had someone with me when we road 30miles in the wrong direction in Indiana and we had to hitch hike our way to the guest site for the night. It is a great sport but it can be little intimidating to get started if you have someone with you it will make it a little easier and more fun when you stop for an ice cream break!

It’s ok to fall, lets face it…it’s going to happen. You are going to feel so much better when you finally do and realize it isn’t that bad. (But be safe out there please!)

Ashley taking her own advice about falling!

You can catch Ashley teach in Southie on Fridays at 7:15am and 4:30pm OR on the roads of Boston cruising on her bike. So be sure to hop into one of her classes or tweet at her (@amwagner23) if you have more questions about road cycling! As always if you want us to dig a little deeper into anything Handle Bar related, please reach out to us!